CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 304,887	$ 398,628	$ 351,680
Foreign currency translation loss	(93,684)	(132,899)	(111,776)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	305	(1,202)	(338)
Unrealized (loss) gain on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	(12,021)	26,689	(18,508)
Other comprehensive loss before tax	(105,400)	(107,412)	(130,622)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income	2,514	(9,821)	5,992
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(102,886)	(117,233)	(124,630)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 202,001	$ 281,395	$ 227,050